Karen Rice

Vibrant, fun-loving, and kindhearted, Karen Rice was a true gift to all who were blessed to know and love her. She was never one to worry about what she had, rather, it was clear that her focus was to live fully in the moments she was given while holding her loved ones near. A devoted mother to be sure, Karen was selfless when it came to her children. Although she loved being a mother, life came full circle for her when grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Karen created a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near to their hearts.

Although the 1930s were defined by the Great Depression, things began to look brighter as the decade was drawing to a close. Despite the challenges around them, a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their lives with the birth of a healthy baby girl on August 30th. Karen Lynne was welcomed into the world by her parents, Marion and Julia (West) Travis. She was very close to her grandparents who were an integral part of her upbringing along with her aunt Ilene because her mother passed away at a very young age. Her father worked in sales to help support his two young children.

In many ways Karen’s upbringing reflected the generation in which she was raised. She developed a love for animals as she had horses, dogs, and cats, and she enjoyed fishing as well. Karen was a student at local schools who went on to graduate from Muskegon High School in 1957.

During this same time, new and exciting changes were in store for Karen when she met a young man named Roger Rice. Karen and Roger were married in the late fifties and soon started a family. They were blessed with four children, Randy, Rick, Rusty, and Reggie. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, Karen was forever grateful for the children they shared, and they remained friends. Her kids always knew they could turn to their mom no matter what. Karen was so excited to become a grandmother, and she was so much fun to be around. When her kids were little, she always spent time playing games, reading books and singing songs. That never changed when her grandchildren came along. When her kids were little she was known to pack them up and take them to McDonald's and then to Kalamazoo Airport to watch the planes take off and land. She loved that! She loved taking her grand kids fishing and would go in the backyard to help them dig for worms. There was nothing that Karen loved more than spoiling her grandchildren. For years she would have a “mini Christmas” for her family. They would get together and the kids would decorate the tree. She used this as an excuse to give them extra gifts. Whenever there was good news in the family it was Karen who was more excited than the person who actually had the news to share!

Karen spent the past 30 years with her significant other, Russell Griggs. Everyone was always welcome at their home, and I mean everyone! Karen and Russ loved spending time at the cottage where they would spend their days driving around the pontoon boat and fishing, too. In 2003 Karen retired from Western Michigan University as the administrative assistant to the president of the criminal justice and sociology department. This allowed Karen even more time to spend with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which she took full advantage of.

There was nothing that Karen treasured more than being with her loved ones. She loved being at the lake, especially with a fishing rod in her hand. Karen liked music from a wide variety of artists such as Mannheim Steamrollers, Van Halen, and Michael Jackson. Additionally, she played the organ with some of her favorite songs to play being “Amazing Grace,” When The Saints Go Marching In,” and “Proud Mary.” Karen had an impressive antique collection. Watching movies was a great way for Karen to spend and afternoon. Some of her favorites were: Sister Act, Free Willy, and Secretariat. She could watch these movies over and over again and she did! Her grand kids always knew she had plenty of candy around, in addition to a freezer full of popsicles.

The things to love about Karen Rice are numerous, as she was truly extraordinary in every way. She was fair, honest, and there to help others in any way she could, great or small. Karen wholeheartedly applied herself to whatever task was at hand and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty with anything. She always had an easygoing, relaxed, and casual way about her with a zest for life that was contagious. Karen will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Karen Rice, of Schoolcraft, died on February 12, 2014, at her home. Karen’s family includes her children: Randall (Elizabeth), Richard (Cindy), Russell (Stephanie), Reggie (John) as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visit with Karen’s family and friends and view her life story film on Sunday, February 16 from 1:00-2:30 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (649-1697). A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the same location. Please visit Karen’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Three Rivers Health Homecare and Hospice.